asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the fact that local planning authorities are neither geared nor staffed for the adequate preparation and amendment of county development plans, he will state whether he has any plans to assist them apart from having observations and a review forwarded to them.
Written Answers. - County Development Plans.
127.
Under the provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, all planning authorities were required to prepare a development plan for their area within three years of the coming into operation of the Act and to carry out a review of the plan at least once in every five-year period. All planning authorities have prepared development plans; 83 authorities have reviewed their plans and four plans are due for review in the next few years. In general, I am satisfied that present development plans are of a reasonable standard.
Circulars issued from my Department in 1971 and 1972 giving guidance on the review and variation of development plans and officers of the Department are available for consultation in this matter. Many authorities have engaged consultants to prepare advisory plans for particular areas, for example, areas of high amenity, urban renewal or major expansion. in addition, the work of An Foras Forbartha should be of considerable assistance to planning authorities in the review of their plans.